Hey folks, It's a a small town city with about 8,722 people. The median home value here is around $186,700, which is actually reasonable. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Cheers. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
3 upvotes
5 Replies
minneapolisliving2026
Weather-wise, the summers are pretty good and winters are established. You get used to it after the first year.
35 upvotes
Elizabeth Carter
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely improving and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (Riverside) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Boston, be prepared for the culture shock. pet-friendliness is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
27 upvotes
Bella Clark
preach
9 upvotes
Aurora Ramos
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 11 years. Moved from Austin for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is improving - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. East schools are excellent. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Limited shopping options. Bugs and humidity in summer. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 6/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.